Why I Oughta...

Bought during the early days of COVID in 2020 , this Big Box store tree has grown up and out over the years.  This tree sits in the far reaches of the backyard and is growing in front of the (never-quite-done-well) Lilacs.  The bend in the trunk is where (I think) the initial leader died back and a new one emerged.  Guessing that's when the nursery decided to pull this and stick it in a small container to sell at the Big Box store.   The upright nature of the tree (right now) may be due to the environment (growing inside of a pair of other trees) or it could be how these grow.  But, that part isn't what is most interesting to me.  My eye is drawn to the exfoliating bark on the lower part of the trunk.  I posted a photo of this trunk last Spring .  I'll get back out there this year to take some close-ups.  I first wrote about these trees on a trip to Paris in Luxembourg Gardens .  And wanted one after that visit.   To the r...

We've had these silhouettes done of the kids over the years and the same woman who did the first ones of just the oldest two, did these three.  If you know the kids in real life ( Is this real life?!? ), you'll note that these are *really* good.  How 'bout those 'lashes?!? We had these done down in Florida earlier this year and I shared them on our family blog a bit back, but figured I should post them here for diary-keeping sakes. How these are done is pretty amazing.  The kids sit for a woman who uses some tiny, super-sharp scissors and she looks at the kid for maybe two or three minutes while she cuts.  And in no time, she pulls one of these beauties out and we're all amazed.  We had the old set hung up in our house, but...since we have no house...these are sitting in a pile of stuff awaiting our next move.  Life on pause is great, isn't it?